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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: February 26, 2015 15:36 EST1. RECENT UPDATESA minor editorial change was made.2. ADVISORIESJamaica - Exercise a high degree of cautionThere is no nationwide advisory in effect for Jamaica. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to the high level of violent crime.3. SECURITYThe decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.CrimeViolent crime (armed robbery, murder) and petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) occur, particularly in Kingston, Spanish Town and in Montego Bay. Although the presence of security and anti-crime troops has intensified in major urban areas, drug- and gang-related violence, including shootings, continues to be a significant problem and can result in death, injury and destruction of property. There is a constant risk of becoming the victim of crossfire. Police may impose curfews with short notice in areas where gang activity is a concern. Maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.Some areas in Kingston, mainly inner-city and poor neighbourhoods, have high incidences of crime and should be avoided, such as: Whitfield Town, Payne Land, West Kingston, Grant's Pen, August Town, Denham Town, Hannah Town, Arnett Gardens, Tivoli Gardens and Olympic Gardens, Harbour View, Central Village, Spanish Town, Mountain View, Trench Town, Cassava Piece, Canterbury, Norwood, and Rose Heights. You should also avoid some parts of Montego Bay, namely St. Clavers Avenue and Hart Street, Flankers and Mount Salem (except for the resort areas).Do not walk alone. Exercise particular caution after dark, and avoid visiting beaches or using buses at night. If you are a victim of crime, do not resist, as this may provoke the use of violence.Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.Although most hotels and resorts are well guarded, always ensure that your hotel room doors and windows are secure. There have been a number of incidents recently in large resorts involving theft from hotel room safes by hotel staff. Travellers should enquire with reception upon check-in on security precautions related to theft from hotel rooms. Vigilance is recommended when staying in smaller or isolated establishments with less security. Compounds that are gated and guarded are considered the safest accommodations in the Kingston area.Ensure that your personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times. Do not show signs of affluence or carry large sums of money, and be aware of your surroundings when withdrawing money from automated banking machines (ABMs). Remain vigilant at supermarkets and retail outlets, as credit card and ABM fraud is increasing in Jamaica.Road travelTraffic drives on the left. Coastal roads are in fair condition, but driving in the interior is dangerous due to narrow, winding and poorly maintained roads, which are also poorly lit at night. Weather conditions can damage or render some roads temporarily impassable. Stay on main roads as much as possible.Speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol are common. Motorists should keep vehicle windows closed and doors locked. Roadside assistance is available island wide.When driving between Norman Manley International Airport and Kingston, take the South Camp Road (also known as the Humming Bird Route) rather than Mountain View Avenue, which can close on short notice.Public transportationPublic transportation is not safe due to high levels of crime and overcrowding.Knutsford Express offers reliable and comfortable bus transportation between major towns.Use only taxis ordered from hotels and authorized by the Jamaican Union of Travellers Association (JUTA). These are identified by red-and-white “PP” licence plates and a lime green JUTA sticker on the window. Since taxis are not metered, agree on the fare in advance.See Transportation Safety in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.Emergency servicesDial 119 to reach the police emergency centre and 110 to reach the fire department and ambulance services.Police officers regularly patrol tourist areas and can offer assistance. Security personnel and front-desk hotel staff can also offer assistance in most emergencies.Visitor information booths and Jamaica Tourist Board offices are located throughout the island. They offer various services to visitors, including direct radio links with local police and information on safe public beaches. These offices are located at:- Montego Bay: Cornwall Beach, Gloucester Avenue: tel. 876-952-4425, -4426, -4427, or -4428- Sangster International Airport: tel. 876-952-2462- Ocho Rios: TPD co. office: tel. 876-974-7705/2582- Kingston: Head Office, ICWI Building, 2 St. Lucia Avenue: tel. 876-929-9200- Airport Authority, Norman Manley Airport, Kingston (flight information only): tel. (876) 924-8452 or 84564. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSIt is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Jamaican authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the High Commission for Jamaica or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.PassportA valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Jamaica. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.VisaTourist visa: Not required (for stays up to six months)Business visa: Required Student visa: RequiredAn onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are required upon entry to the country. The Jamaican Immigration entry card, usually given to travellers upon check-in at the airport or during the flight, is also required upon departure from Jamaica.Make sure that the entry stamp in your passport covers your expected stay in Jamaica. Overstaying a visa or entry stamp is a criminal offence and can lead to jail time, heavy fines and deportation. You may obtain an extension for a visa at any immigration office.You need a permit to work in Jamaica. Persons found working illegally may be held in a local prison until arrangements for their return to Canada are made at their own cost.Airport taxAn airport tax of JMD$1,800 (about US$20) is charged upon departure. This tax is normally included in airline ticket prices, except for charter flights.Children and travelChildren need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.Yellow feverSee Health to obtain information on this country's vaccination requirements.5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesGood to excellent medical facilities exist in all tourist areas and in Kingston. Medical care and hospital facilities in remote areas are limited. Medical expenses can be very high. It is normal for clinics to request payment up front or to take a credit card impression as a guarantee of payment prior to providing medical care.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.There is no prisoner-transfer agreement in place between Canada and Jamaica.Illegal drugsPossession of illegal drugs (including marijuana) is a severe offence and may lead to lengthy jail terms. Departing visitors are thoroughly screened for drug possession. Many Canadians are serving prison sentences for drug crimes, in some cases unwittingly. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else. When leaving Ocho Rios and Montego Bay by cruise ship, you may be searched by local authorities for drug smuggling. You should be accompanied by a witness when undergoing such procedures.LawsInappropriate conduct (public nudity in non-designated areas and indecent language) can lead to arrest.The laws of Jamaica prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Jamaica. Consult Homosexual, bisexual and transgender travel for more information.It is illegal to wear, buy or sell army or police camouflage clothing.There are import and export regulations on items such as firearms, produce and pets. Entering the country with a firearm or even a single round of ammunition is considered a serious crime. Contact the High Commission of Jamaica or one of its consulates for information regarding customs requirements.It is mandatory to wear a helmet on mopeds, motor scooters and motorcycles, and to wear a seatbelt in cars and taxis. Visitors are subject to heavy fines for non-compliance.Visitors can drive in Jamaica with a valid Canadian driver's licence for up to six months. Residents must obtain a Jamaican driver's licence.MoneyThe currency is the Jamaican dollar (JMD). Credit cards are widely accepted. There have been reports of an increase in fraud and identity theft. Remain vigilant when using your credit or bank cards in public places such as restaurants and other merchants.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEHurricane SeasonThe hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. The National Hurricane Center provides additional information on weather conditions. Stay informed of regional weather forecasts, and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.Flooding and landslides can occur at any time in the mountainous regions and cause extensive damage. Stay informed of regional weather forecasts, and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.Seismic activityJamaica is located in an active seismic zone and is subject to earthquakes. In the event of a natural disaster, follow the advice of the local authorities.